The Tatuaje Black Label Petite Robusto packs bold Nicaraguan flavors into its compact 4"x50 frame. Born from Pete Johnson's collaboration with the Garcia family, this box-pressed parejo wears a sun-grown Criollo wrapper that delivers coffee and chocolate notes through billowy smoke. At $153 per box of 20, it's an intense 45-minute experience best saved for full-bodied cigar veterans.
First Third: Immediate black pepper sting coats the throat. Earthy undertones emerge - damp soil and cocoa powder with mineral sharpness. Smoke output surprises for the size.
Middle Third: Espresso bitterness takes center stage. Cedar woodsmoke wraps around caramel sweetness fighting through the intensity. Construction holds firm despite tight draw.
Final Third: Burnt almond skins dominate as nicotine builds. Chocolate morphs into bitter baker's variety. Tar accumulates faster than expected - I nub at 1.5" remaining.
The Estelí/Jalapa tobacco blend shows its teeth through visible tooth on the oily wrapper. Triple cap survives rough pocket carry. Three samples tested had consistent 1/16" burn deviation - manageable without touch-ups.
This unapologetic Nicaraguan punch fits when you want big flavor in limited time. Not for newbies or mild-medium smokers. Pair with black coffee or aged rum to match its rustic character. Let rest 6+ months if possible - early reviews indicate sweetness develops with humidor time.
